| 1936 |
Chicago Board of Trade establishes a soybean futures contract |
| 1940's |
Soybean producers double production to meet demand |
| 1949 |
USA turns from importer of fats and oils to net exporter |
| 1954 |
Passage of P.L. 480 Food for Peace Program |
| 1962 |
September 24 First meeting of 25 farmers held in Sleepy Eye, MN. Charlie Simpson of Waterville named temporary President, John Evans of Montevideo, named temporary Secretary. Other members of the organizational committee were: Parker Sanders of Redwood Falls, Bert Enestvedt of Sacred Heart, Henry Leitschuh of Sleepy Eye, Leslie Wright of West Concord and Robert Frederick of Foxhome. December 6th MSGA Board organized, dues set at $12.50. Acreage fees were set at 25 cents per acre (to finance research and legislation). John Evans elected President. |
| 1963 |
January. Simpson & Evans appointed Legislative Committee. Simpson sponsors 50 bu. per acre club. Frederick proposes _ cent checkoff. April: Checkoff first proposed to other farm groups- opposed by Farm Bureau. Colored Margarine Bill passes Legislature November. Dues changed to $5.00 to get more members |
| 1964 |
Yield Contest dropped because of bad weather |
| 1965 |
January 12, MSGA affiliated with ASA. Evans & Simpson lobby for $500 from legislature for soybean research (membership 573) |
| 1966 |
Only 2 meetings were held that year. Two shipments of "Traverse" soybeans were shipped to a noodle maker in Chicago. Protein level higher in MN according to ASA's Howard Grow |
| 1967 |
January: _ cent checkoff resolution passed at 5th Annual Meeting. (Membership at 1000). April: Board met with State AG Committee to discuss checkoff |
| 1968 |
January: The state was divided into districts with each director in charge of a district; Princess Soya Contest to be initiated; decided to go or checkoff vote in 1969, will cost $450.00 to have checkoff bill written; 6th Annual Meeting held with 80 people attending |
| 1980 |
Membership at 1200; grain embargo hit; legislative efforts were on transportation issues; BN railroad raised West Coast rates for shipping soybeans excessively; Great Lakes shipping declined due to the Grain-Millers strike, 1980 Farm Bill issues discussed with Senator Boschwitz |
| 1981 |
Transportation issues kept coming; Basin commission appointed by Congress wants "User fees" established on river freight. MSGA opposes. MSGA sends letters to President Reagan asking him to lift Soviet grain embargo; MSGA requested ASA to prepare position paper on the economic impact budget cuts in 1980 Farm Bill have on Agriculture |
| 1982 |
MSGA got Senator Durenberger to introduce "Contract Sanctity" legislation against future grain embargo; MSGA also worked with state legislators to stop "cargo Preference" legislation |
| 1983 |
2 cent checkoff was proposed with referendum to be run in March of 1984; more counties were organized; much work was put into referendum campaign |
| 1984 |
MSGA worked with the Governor to extend shipping season at the Port of Duluth; 2-cent referendum failed in April with a narrow margin; Farm Bill discussions started; MSGA proposed marketing loan concept |
| 1985 |
MSGA worked to support "The Farm Emergency Credit Act of 1985"; Farm Bill discussions continued; MSGA urged USDA to expand the P.L. 480 Food for Peace Program and GSM102 program; MSGA commissioned FAPRI study on marketing loan vs. a non-recourse loan at various levels |
| 1986 |
MSGA sent resolution to Congress supporting keeping the Minnesota Rural Rehabilitation Trust Fund intact; Protein and oil issue surfaced in meeting with MN's soybean processors |
| 1987 |
MSGA approved sending a letter to MN department of Agriculture requesting a special use permit be granted to PURSUIT herbicide; MSGA opposed the U of M selling publicly developed seed varieties to private companies for export market; through the ASA Adopt-A-County program MSGA adopted the Soviet Union as its Sister Country; MSGA got involved with the Truth-in-Labeling Campaign by placing articles in various newspapers about tropical fats invading the market; MSGA purchased equipment to show grain elevators how to control dust with soy oil, MSGA was lead commodity group to get the Ag Utilization Research Institute (AURI) started with the Greater MN Corporation (GMC); Silver Anniversary of MSGA was celebrated in December, MSGA considered the possibility of merging Northern MN counties with North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, it was decided instead to provide funding to NDSGA for serving the other MN Counties; Soy Pac as initiated in Minnesota |
| 1988 |
MSGA hired a part-time person to work with state legislative issues, MSGA got 2 million dollars of Exxon overcharge money direct to the AURI; soybeans are the "Featured Commodity" at the 1988 State Fair; work on the exporting of soybean meal pellets from the Port of Duluth begins; MSGA purchased its first Mini-Donut machine for domestic marketing work; MSGA also held the first of many "Soy Shopping Sprees"; ASA 1990's Task Force was established, with Craig Weir serving on it, to conduct listening sessions throughout the country to establish priorities for the 1990 Farm Bill |
| 1989 |
With MSGA support, ASA conducted an investigation of the allegations that the Chicago Board of Trade "Cornered the Market" when it forced July soybean futures contract liquidations (Jerry Greenslit served on this Task Force), and after several months of investigations, it was determined that nothing illegal had taken place; ASA began its Soybean Promotion and Research Checkoff (SPARC) campaign to implement a national checkoff; Roger Asendorf became an ASA honorary life member; wheel of soy was purchased, a game featuring soy ink or soy cooking oil, bill was passed in state legislature recommending government offices print with soy ink. Membership at 3,507 |
| 1990 |
Bert Enestvedt became an ASA honorary life member. The 28th Annual Meeting was held in Willmar; MN and Minnesota became eligible for a fourth seat on the ASA Board of Directors. Boyd Abbe was elected to that seat. USS.R. President Gorbachev visited Minnesota in June. MSGA purchased a second donut machine |
| 1991 |
MSGA worked to implement a resolution, which eliminated wetlands that were two acres or less, farmed 6 of the last 10 years, and allowed for activates necessary to repair and maintain existing drainage systems. MSGA defeated efforts to eliminate soy ink in printing of state materials plus strengthened soy ink Use by adding additional governmental units whenever practical. MSGA fought to create its own appropriation and control by AURI Board of Directors. In addition, soy mark was put on trucks hauling soy oil to create the first "moving" billboard for soy mark in the country. September 1, 1991 the national soybean checkoff was implemented. In November 1991 the Moscow office became the 10th international office that was opened. Minnesota led the way by supporting the efforts with nearly $50,000. Craig Weir of Delavan was elected to the ASA executive committee while Sandy Ludeman Jr. of Tracy was elected chairman of the United Soybean Board (USB) |
| 1992 |
MSGA fought to prevent the U of M from taking an unfair share of cuts, plus maintained "State Specials" for agriculture. It worked to reduce the proposed cuts for AURI, defeated proposal which would have reorganized state agencies into one large agency to deal with environmental issues, and monitored legislation for generic engineering and made revisions in the regulatory process for all applications. The 301 case with the European Community was in the news this year. The 301 case charged that the EC's oilseed subsidy program was inconsistent with GATT rules, and nullified and impaired the EC's duty-free agreement reached in 1962. Craig Weir traveled to Brussels, Belgium for the talks to ensure that soybean farmers' concerns were heard. "New Stone" the product that looks like granite yet has the machinability of wood was introduced at the MSGA board meeting on August 12, 1992. MSR&PC provided a grant of $75,000 while the USB provided $200,000. 55 pounds of waste paper and a bushel of soybeans makes 22 board feet of the new product. Craig Weir was re-elected to his second term on the ASA Executive Committee while Sandy Ludeman Jr. completed his year as Chairman of USB. The 30th Annual Meeting of MSGA was held in Willmar with approximately 400 people in attendance. Membership stands at about 3,500 members with 30 organized counties |
| 1993 |
MSGA and ASA supported and successfully eliminated the soybean loan origination fee, and testified in support of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). At the state level, MSGA was instrumental in securing $40 million in property tax relief and reform. Dr. Joanne Slavin, U of M, was awarded the agribusiness award in "Edible" category. Victor Lundien, FF, was awarded the agribusiness award in the "Industrial" category. The top yield in MSGA's Yield Contest was 65 bu./acre. The winner was Brad Hoffman from Brown County. Membership stands at 3096 with 30 County Organizations. The MSGA Annual Meeting was held in Willmar with more than 400 in attendance |
| 1994 |
On February 9, 1994 a National Soybean Checkoff Referendum was held. It passed nationwide 53.8 to 46.2%. Minnesota passed it with a vote of 3583 to 2656. As a result, 10% of refunds are escrowed and held for refund requests. On October 7, 1994 President Bill Clinton signed the "Vegetable Printing Act" into law. On December 6, 1994. US Senator Paul Wellstone provided MSGA with a signed copy of the bill "Public Law 103-348" complete with President Bill Clinton's signature. MSGA began laying groundwork for Property Tax Reform. MSGA supported MN Department of Agriculture to have oversight of Generically Modified Ag Organism. The bill was passed. MSGA also secured $150,000 from the Legislatures to increase the protein and oil content of MN Soybeans. Membership stands at 3005 with 32 organized counties. The MSGA Annual Meeting was held in Willmar. The Volunteer Soy Promoters (VSPs) received the Agribusiness "Edible" award. Phoenix Biocomposites, Inc. the makers of Environ (formerly known as Newstone), received the Agribusiness "Industrial" award. 80.4 bu./acre was the top yield in MSGA Yield Contest and grown by Fair Acres Stock Farm of Waseca County |
| 1995 |
On July 26 a national poll was held on whether to conduct a vote to reaffirm the national soybean checkoff. The poll failed. On September 13th the MN Senate Ag Committee held a hearing on Biodiesel. MSGA president Kevin Paap testified. On October 1 soybean checkoff refunds ceased. President Kevin Paap traveled to Washington DC in November to participate in a Biodiesel Kick Off event. MSGA took the lead at the legislature to avert eliminating $46 million per year for Ag Specials and extension and Ag Research at MN Experiment Stations. Membership stands at 3290 with 31 County Organizations. The MSGA Annual Meeting was held in Willmar. 74.7 bu./acre was the top yield in MSGA Yield Contest and grown by John Maas of Brown County. Agribusiness awards were presented to Honeymead in the "Industrial" category and to the American Heart Association in the "Edible" category. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council held its first "Cooking with Soy Recipe Contest." MSGA supported an Appropriation Bill to fund the Ag Utilization Research Institute. This year's full funding request was for $4.3 million |
| 1996 |
In 1996 the Agricultural Market Transition Bill, (1996 Farm Bill) was signed into law. MSGA worked to secure planting flexibility and higher loan rates for soybeans. Both were included in the bill. State legislative issues included wetlands bills and feedlot issues. MSGA County organizations distributed samples of soy-based solvents and hand cleaners to mechanical shops across the state to raise the awareness of soy industrial products. A new company, called Environmental Dust Control Inc., is started in Murray County. EDC Uses soybean oil soapstock to control dust on gravel roads and parking lots. The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council receives the "Champions of the Heart Award" for its contribution and support to the American Heart Association's Minnesota Division. The University of Minnesota, in cooperation with the MSR&PC and MSGA, initiated the first coordinated Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) population survey. Minnesota, in cooperation with ASA's International Marketing division, hosted its first "Foodbean Day" for Japanese buyers of food quality soybeans. The MSR&PC was recognized for its contribution to the completion of the Northern Crops Institute's feedmill and laboratory. ASA and NCGA held the first ever "Commodity Classic" in Phoenix, AZ in February. The Annual Meeting for MSGA was delayed until January 13-15, 1997, when the first joint MN Soy/Corn EXPO was held at the Radisson South in Bloomington, MN |
| 1997 |
House file ##1068, a bill to establish a pilot project to test B20 biodiesel in state vehicles was introduced in the State Legislature and was passed. In cooperation with the United Soybean Board, the MSR&PC hosted the first Soybean Learning Center at Farmfest. The first soy-based color crayon was introduced by the Dixon-Ticonderoga company. The first in state "at the pump" promotion of a soy-based diesel fuel additive called SoyGold was held in Amboy, Minnesota. MSGA hit an all time record high membership of 3,571 members. MSGA worked with Senators Wellstone and Grams to amend the Federal EPACT legislation to make it more favorable to biodiesel. The MSR&PC provided funding support to the University of Minnesota to hire a full time soybean Plant Pathologist. The MSR&PC and University of Minnesota started work on the development of a Soybean Initiative program. The program identified areas of soybean research and education that require additional financial resources beyond current funding. The Trans issue (trans fatty acid) resurfaced based on "new" research presented in the New England Journal of Medicine. The "Take the Test, Beat the Pest:" Soybean Cyst Nematode regional testing and education program was initiated |
| 1998 |
The 1998 the Minnesota State legislature started off by proposing a three-year moratorium on all livestock feedlot expansions. The MSR&PC provided funding to the U of M's Ag Economics Department to do an economic study on the importance of soybean production and processing to the State of Minnesota. The study revealed that the Minnesota soybean industry provides $1.6 Billion to the state's economy. HyVee stores introduced the first Low Saturated Fat soybean oil called LoSatSoy. MSGA supported building another soybean processing plant in Minnesota. MSGA supported legislation for a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) for Minnesota's livestock industry. MSGA ran numerous ads supporting Minnesota's livestock industry. The legislative session ended with no moratorium and a $500,000 infrastructure grant for a community working to entice a soybean processing plant. MSGA took possession of a 1998 Dodge Pickup donated by the Chrysler Corporation to promote soy-based biodiesel. MSGA & ASA pressed Congress to reconsider eliminating all funding for USDA's Market Access Program (MAP). The MSR&PC initiated a West Coast Shipping study to determine what it would take to increase soybean exports from the Pacific Northwest. The MSR&PC submitted a proposal to the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources to study biodiesel made from waste fats and oils. ASA and USB worked to continue soybean exports to Indonesia in the face of economic collapse. US Agricultural Counselor to the People's Republic of China, Ms. Suzanne Hale, visited Minnesota. ASA pressed Congress to replenish the US's 18 billion dollar share to the International Monetary Fund and to secure Fast Track authority for the president. The MSR&PC and the MN Turkey Council worked together to bring a seven-member Russian buying team to Minnesota. MSGA supported the DM&E's proposed railroad expansion as a means of moving soybeans to the West Coast. USB began work on a Better Bean Initiative. MSGA successfully pressed US Ag Secretary, Dan Glickman to reverse his decision to increase MN's Posted County Prices by 5 cents per bushel, saving MN farmers $30 million. With financial support from the MSR&PC, ASA opened an office in Istanbul, Turkey |
| 1999 |
ASA convinced AgrEvo USA not to release its Liberty Link soybeans into the seed market until it received market acceptance in Europe and Japan. (For three consecutive years AgrEvo had pressed ASA to allow the seed to be planted in the US) ASA initiated the $1 billion dollar food donation program for soybeans. MSGA supported the introduction of MN House File ## 838, the $1.7 million dollar Soybean Initiative (SI) program. The legislature approved $900,000 for the SI. Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura proclaimed April 16 as "Biodiesel Day in Minnesota." Representatives of the US Dept. of Energy, State and National dignitaries held a press conference at a Hennepin County maintenance facility. President Clinton lifted the ban on food sales to Iran, Sudan and Libya, which opened a potential $636 million dollar market to US farmers. ASA testified in support of additional sanctions reform to open markets for soybeans. A Turkish bread company purchased its first two container loads of soy flour from a Minnesota processor. ASA objected to the importation of Brazilian soybeans to a southeast US feed processor. US Soy Field Diesel, a premium diesel from Koch Petroleum, was kicked off at Kritzer Oil Co. in Waseca. MSGA supported the US Senate's "Water Resources Development Act of 1999" to make improvements to the Locks and Dams on the Mississippi River. MSGA & ASA opposed US Ag Secretary Glickman's proposal to implement a National LDP. Governor Jesse Ventura signed the first $1 billion dollar food donation post card at the MN State Fair. The USD.A. set Oct. 20 - Nov. 16 as dates for the "Request for Referendum" producer poll for the National Soybean Checkoff. The USDA announced it would purchase and use 20,000 gallons of biodiesel this coming year. On October 26th the FDA gave final approval to a Soy Health Claim for labeling of food that contains the required amounts of soy protein. ASA & MSGA supported, including $500 million "soybean economic loss," assistance in the FY2000 Ag Appropriations federal farm legislation. The legislation was approved and all US farmers received the 15-cent per bushel "Oilseed Payment" in early 2000. ASA & MSGA pressed US Ag Secretary Glickman to hold the US soybean loan rate at $5.26 per bushel |
| 2000 |
Three "anti-GMO" bills were introduced in the MN Legislature. MSGA actively opposed them, as it would have made MN producers less competitive with other states. Representative Torrey Westrom, Elbow Lake, introduced (B5) biodiesel legislation in the MN House of Representatives. Sen. Jim Vickerman of Tracy introduced a companion bill in the Senate. No action was taken on either bill during the regular session but a House Ag Policy Committee field hearing was held in September in LeSueur, Minnesota. ASA demanded that Monsanto implement an equitable seed sales program for US farmers in the light of the US Government Accounting Office (GAO) report on South American seed sales. ASA & MSGA supported the lifting of food and medicine sanctions on Cuba. The MSR&PC worked with the University of Minnesota to hire a Soybean Extension Plant Pathologist to replace the retiring Ward Stienstra. The USDA called for a Pork Checkoff Referendum. ASA & MSGA pressed US Congress for Permanent Normal Trading Relations (PNTR) with China. MSGA leaders met with Gov. Ventura on PNTR. President Clinton taped Ventura as spokesperson for PNTR. President Clinton visited a Shakopee farm to rally support for PNTR with China. The USDA announced that less than 3% of the eligible US soybean producers voted to hold a referendum on the National Soybean Checkoff program. ASA lobbied Congress to make changes to the Congestive Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) to allow funding of fuel costs (biodiesel) which are not currently available under CMAQ. The USDA announced it would blend 5% biodiesel with heating oil at its Beltsville, MD facility to alleviate a fuel shortage. The Minnesota Soybean Processors hosted its first open house in Worthington. The USDA announced a $300 million renewable fuels program designed to increase the production of biodiesel and ethanol. With seed money from the MSR&PC and AURI, Agriliance LLC introduced a new soy-oil-based product to reduce odor for the hog industry called Barrier(TM) |
| 2001 |
The MN legislative session started with Biodiesel as MSGA's TOP PRIORITY. A support base of commodity groups and general farm organizations was generated. Representative Torrey Westrom introduced HF 362 and Senator Jim Vickerman introduced SF 326 requiring that 2% biodiesel be required in all diesel fuel sold in Minnesota. The Minnesota Trucking Association led the opposition to the biodiesel effort. ASA began calling on the Administration and Congress to require up to 3% biodiesel in all US diesel by 2011 and that a tax exemption be granted to allow biodiesel to be more cost competitive. MSGA was recognized by the US Dept of Energy for its support of the Twin Cities Clean Cities program. MN Senator Mark Dayton introduced a biodiesel tax credit bill. ASA & MSGA began intensive discussion on the proposed new Farm Bill. Minnesota biodiesel legislation went into limbo as the State Legislature adjourned without action on many pieces of legislation. Gov. Ventura was forced to call a Special Session to deal with spending bills. Permanent tax relief totaled $68 million for MN farmers. The MSR&PC, in cooperation with the MN Trade Office and the MN Dept of Ag hosted a Mexican soybean buying team to Minnesota. Senators Dayton and Wellstone held Farm Bill hearings around the State with MSGA farmer leaders testifying. Trade Promotion Authority (TPA, formerly known as Fast Track Authority) for the US President was a top ASA activity. Soybean Aphids spread to 12 counties in southeast Minnesota. Biodiesel was the HOT TOPIC at the MN State Fair booth. Planning began for MSGA's 40th Anniversary Annual meeting to be held in Mankato (the largest soybean processing city in North America) |
| 2001 |
7,300,000 acres of soybeans are planted in Minnesota |
